Bhubaneswar: In view of possible congregation on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and Pongal, the BMC on Thursday released a new set of restrictions in the capital city.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), in an official order, stated that in order to ensure safety of public health, celebration and congregation at public places on the occasion of the two festivals are prohibited till January 16.
People are not allowed to take bath in rivers, ponds and other water bodies in the area under BMC jurisdiction. Similarly, organising Makar Mela and Meena Bazaar is prohibited.
The devotees are not allowed to enter religious places and places of worship to offer puja and have darshan of the deities. However, the daily rituals in these places can be performed by minimum number of priests and servitors amid COVID guidelines, the BMC order stated.